Q: Is there a different process for seeking an annulment versus a divorce?
A:
An annulment means that there was a fraud that went to the heart of the marriage and for court purposes, you need to be able to prove that fraud, and the longer the marriage lasted, the more difficult it will be to prove a fraud.
If the purpose of your inquiry is for religious reasons, you can ask your priest if you can still obtain a religious annulment from the church even if the divorce judgment is based on irreconcilable differences or based on another ground. You can also discuss with your spouse the idea of him/her cooperating with your religious annulment application to the church as part of your divorce settlement agreement.
A: Depending on a variety of factors obtaining an annulment can be more difficult than a divorce. The process is very similar. You need to retain an experienced matrimonial (divorce) attorney. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a cheap attorney is generally never good so don't choose based on price. With modern technology, you can be represented by any high-quality attorney in New Jersey irrespective of geography.
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